WAVE Awards

A total of 125 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West as part of the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence) Awards held June 10 in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Honorees were recognized in 47 categories that spanned the cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, car rental, rail provider and destination travel fields. The annual awards gave travel agents in the Western U.S. the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel supplier partners.

In addition, top travel agents were honored in four categories as part of the 2010 Trendsetters Awards, also presented at the gala. Categories included: Best Recession Survival Story or Strategy; Travel Agent Sales Superstar; Best Group Booking Sales Effort; and Best Community Service Effort.

2010 WAVE Awards // (c) 2010 TravelAge West

More than 5,300 travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West voted on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by TravelAge West Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Shapiro and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

“This was an especially tough year for travel,” said Shapiro, “but the companies that received Wave awards rose above the difficulties and delivered exceptional experiences to travelers. They should be very proud of their achievements.”

At the black-tie event, guests dined on a four-course meal while being treated to a multimedia presentation of the award recipients.

“The WAVE Awards are a celebration of excellence in travel products, services and destinations,” said Michelle Rosenberg, publisher of TravelAge West. “This year’s WAVE winners have consistently demonstrated excellence within the travel marketplace.”

TravelAge West will also feature the winners in a special WAVE Awards Spotlight Issue debuting June 21 on the new online WAVE Awards website center. The website will feature videos and slideshows from the WAVE Awards Gala, as well as expanded coverage of each WAVE Award winner and a bulletin board for posting congratulatory messages. A unique supplier-only marketing center on the site also enables companies to download customized WAVE logos, press release templates and photographs from the event.

A list of this year’s WAVE Award winners, as well as a list of Trendsetter Award Recipients, follows.

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TravelAge West 2010 WAVE Awards Winners

Best Onboard EntertainmentDisney Cruise Line

Best Teen ProgramRoyal Caribbean International

Best Cruise-Tour ProgramHolland America Line

Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction(Less Than 1,100 Passengers)Crystal Cruises

Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction (More than 1,100 Passengers)Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Line Providing the Best Travel Agent SupportRoyal Caribbean International

Best New Ship (Ocean-Going)Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Best New Ship (River Cruise)Amalyra, Amawaterways

Best U.S. HomeportFort Lauderdale

Best Overall Line for River CruisingViking River Cruises

River Cruise Line Providing the Best Travel Agent SupportViking River Cruises